Boston Celtics at Houston Rockets ATS Prediction 12/27/18

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A seven-game home winning streak is on the line for the Houston Rockets (18-15), who will be 2-point favorites when they square off against the Boston Celtics (20-13) at Toyota Center. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 218.5 points and it will air on TNT at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 27, 2018.

Boston Celtics at Houston Rockets Betting Odds

Both teams covered in their last outing. The Rockets (1-point underdogs) defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 113-109, while the Celtics (5-point favorite) beat the Philadelphia 76ers 121-114. Both games went over their projected point totals. The Houston game went 1 point over the projected point total of 221, while the Boston game went 11 points over the projected point total of 224.

The Celtics forced 19 turnovers and held the 76ers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.6 (below their season average of 23.6). Meanwhile, Houston’s 0.526 effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Oklahoma City, who had a mark of 0.485. The Rockets’ mark was below their season average of 0.532. James Harden led the way for Houston, putting up 41 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Boston was led by Kyrie Irving, who put up 40 points and 10 rebounds.

This was a highly competitive series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the most recent matchup, the Rockets won 123-120. Houston was successful at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Rockets made 26 of their 30 free throws (86.7 percent), while the Celtics were 19-21 (90.5 percent). This is the first time these teams will clash this year.

Games featuring the Celtics have typically gone over the total (60.6 percent). Boston comes into the game with records of 20-13 straight up (SU) and 17-16 against the spread (ATS).

Just over half of Rockets games have finished over the O/U total. Additionally, Houston is 18-15 SU and 15-17-1 ATS.

The Celtics’ Irving has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 24 points,6.2 rebounds,6.2 assists,2.2 steals per game. Meanwhile, Harden has averaged 38 points,9.2 assists,6.2 rebounds,2.6 steals during that same time frame for the Rockets.

It could be a mistake-prone game for the Houston offense. Houston ranks 18th in the league in ball protection (turnover percentage of 13.9 percent), while the pesky defense of Boston forces the fifth-most turnovers in the NBA (15.3 percent).

Boston Celtics at Houston Rockets Odds Pick

NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • The Celtics average 13.121212121212121 second chance points per game, which ranks 16 in the NBA. The Rockets rank 19 in second chance points allowed per game (13.696969696969697).
  • Boston ranks fifth in points allowed in the paint per game (44.2) while Houston ranks 26th (51.8).
  • The Celtics rank third in steals allowed per game (7.0) while the Rockets rank 20th (8.2).
  • Boston ranks 10th in rebounds per game (46.1) while Houston ranks 26th (41.7).
  • Boston ranks 2 in blocks allowed per game (4) while Houston ranks 13 (4.848484848484849).
  • The Rockets rank first in three pointers attempted per game (42.4) while the Celtics rank 21st in three pointers allowed per game (32.4).
  • The Celtics rank 3 in points off turnovers per game (19.424242424242426) while the Rockets rank 18 (16.272727272727273).
  • Houston ranks 4 in fast break points allowed per game (11.090909090909092) while Boston ranks 6 (11.606060606060606).
  • Boston ranks ninth in assists per game (25.1) while Houston ranks 27th (21.3).
  • Houston is 6-2 when they allow under 100 points, while Boston is 7-2.
  • The Celtics are 20-10 when they score above 100 points, while the Rockets are 16-8.
  • Boston is 7-10 ATS on the road, while Houston is 9-6-1 ATS at home.
  • The total has gone over in 10 of the Celtics’ 17 road games, while 10 of the Rockets’ 16 home games have gone over.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Rockets are 3-1-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Celtics are 2-3.
  • In their last five games, Houston has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Boston has 4 overs and 1 under.
  • During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 111.6 points per game (2.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 105.2 points per game (3.3 below their season average).
  • The Celtics have been outscored by an average of 1.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Boston has defeated opponents by an average of 6.6 points.